10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan is a fun place for families, especially for the little ones. One of the most popular attractions is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ where you can enjoy the magical world at Hogwart’s™ Castle, which is an exact replica of the one used in the films. You can also set out on a thrilling adventure tour of Jurassic Park or watch the exciting Water World Show. USJ is a theme park full of fun for the whole family. Expect to queue about 30 minutes per attraction, and longer for the more popular rides/attractions. 

Established in 1915, Tennoji Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from 200 species. The 110,000-square-metre park has wildlife enclosures that replicate natural environments from around the world. 

The park is divided into 4 zones, and you can see animals from each region, including penguins, giraffes and elephants. You can re-enter for free within the same day, so you can go out for a meal or visit nearby landmarks like the Tsutenkaku Tower before returning to Tennoji Zoo. You’ll just need to inform the staff at the gate before leaving the park.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan displays around 30,000 creatures from 620 species. One of the largest aquariums in the world, there are many unique marine animals to see, one of which is the gigantic whale shark This shark is a symbol of Kaiyukan and the world's largest known fish species. It can grow up to 12 metres. 

The Galaxy of Jellyfish is a fantastic space with thousands of translucent jellyfish floating in tanks. Visit the Interactive Exhibits Area to see ringed seals, rockhopper penguins and honeycomb stingrays. Facing Osaka Port, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.

Kids Plaza Osaka was established in July 1977 as the first museum in Japan dedicated to children. With a concept of “Learning by Doing”, each floor is divided into themes of creativity, adventure, and discovery. There are also various interactive spaces that children and parents can enjoy together. 

Kids Plaza Osaka hosts workshops and events such as voice actor experiences and cooking experiences. It's a good idea to check the website for the latest schedule. It’s easy to spend the whole day at Kids Plaza Osaka, even if it’s raining. You can re-enter with your ticket stub on the same day, so you can take a break at nearby restaurants and parks. 

Harvest Hill Osaka is an interactive agricultural park where you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. There are areas where you can feed sheep and goats, ride a horse, enjoy sledging and go-karting, or take dessert and bread-making lessons. 

The adventure playground offers 2 courses of athletic adventure: Low Ground for beginners and intermediates, and High Ground for the advanced crowd (with a maximum height of 8 metres). Harvest Hill Osaka also has a zip-line and a small bungee jump. Various events take place monthly – including petting sessions with a capybara – so check the website before you visit.

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living exhibits the local lifestyles throughout Japan's history, including the Edo, Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods. You can see a life-sized reproduction of Osaka township during the first years of the Tenpo period on the 9th floor, and a model of modern Osaka on the 8th floor of the museum.

Thanks to the sheer number and detail of the exhibits, you might feel like you've travelled back in time. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living also hosts elaborate events every month. 

The Osaka Science Museum is an excellent venue to learn about science and the universe. The museum is divided into 4 floors, each of which has interesting exhibits and interactive science shows. 

A must-see is the museum's planetarium, which is one of the largest in the world. CG technology is used with a high-precision projector to reproduce a replica of the sky. The Osaka Science Museum's Family Time show is suitable for those with young children as they can chat and look for stars. The Study Projection program introduces constellations and explains how to observe stars in the sky, as well as astronomical subjects. 

Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is where you can learn about the history of the world’s first instant noodles, which was invented by Momofuku Ando.

The museum’s Chicken Ramen Factory showcases the process of making the iconic noodles. You can create your own completely original noodles at My CUPNOODLES Factory, including designing the cup and choosing your soup and toppings – there are around 4 kinds of soups and 12 toppings to choose from. 

Tempozan Marketplace is a large commercial complex in Tempozan Harbor Village, near Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. There are about 80 shops and restaurants within this 3-storey shopping centre, so everyone in the family can find what they want. 

You can play games at Amusement Zone MECHA Tempozan and have a meal at the Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho Food Theme Park. Street performances take place at the event square every day. Tempozan Marketplace is fun in lots of different ways, making it an excellent place for a family to spend quality time together.